Trees Ontario Staff

Robert H. Keen, RPF

Rob Keen is a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) who has run his own forestry consultant business since his graduation from the University of Toronto in 1982. He has been involved with many facets of the forestry industry, primarily in the Great Lake St. Lawrence forest region. Rob has provided forestry services to landowners, developed forest management plans on Crown and private land, conducted wood supply and feasibility studies, led forest audits for the Forest Stewardship Council and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and fulfilled silvicultural contracts with the MNR.

Rob has been a member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association since 1985, where he served as Vice President for two terms. He was a Director and Chair of the Algonquin Forestry Authority; Director for Maple Leaves Forever; Director on the Board of the Ontario Forestry Association for 10 years, and most recently assumed the role of President for the organization.

In 2002, Rob prepared the first business plan for Trees Ontario and in 2003, he joined the organization as Program Manager. He is now the Director of Operations and is responsible for the planning and implementation of Trees Ontario's tree planting programs and the organization's financial planning. Rob continues to lead the development of the Trees Ontario partnership, which presently includes over 65 planting partners across Ontario.

Phone: 416 646 1193 ext 230
  or toll free 1 877 646 1193
Fax: 416 493 4608
E-mail: Rob Keen

Elissa Schmidt

Elissa Schmidt is a graduate of the University of Waterloo (Honours BA), Seneca College (Post Graduate Diploma, Corporate Communications) and the University of Western Sydney where she obtained her Master of Professional Communications degree.

Elissa joined Trees Ontario in September 2007 where she continues to direct the organization’s marketing and communications programs. This includes advertising, communications, government, public and media relations, social media forums, fundraising strategies, and staff management.

Her past work experience has included Ontario Power Generation where she was a Communications Officer, working on internal and external communication programs. Prior to joining OPG she was Special Events Coordinator, Development, for The Lung Association where she helped manage the association’s largest fundraising event, which included all aspects of communications and corporate sponsorship.

Phone: 416 646 1193 ext 232
  or toll free 1 877 646 1193
Fax: 416 493 4608
E-mail : Elissa Schmidt

Emily Moore

Emily Moore is a graduate of Queen’s University (Political Science, B.A.Hon), and Humber College (Post Graduate Certificate, Public Administration).

As the Senior Development Officer she supports the organization’s fundraising program, which includes: individual fundraising, corporate sponsorship, donor relations and major gifts.

Her past work experience includes her time at the C.D. Howe Institute where she was the Conference Development Officer and oversaw both the conference and sponsorship programs. Prior to joining C.D. Howe, she worked at Havergal College in the areas of alumnae relations and annual giving.

Emily first became interested in pursuing a career in the field of philanthropy when, as a student, she was given the opportunity to work for the United Way and the Canadian Cancer Society. She has also been actively involved as a volunteer for a variety of organizations since that time, most of which deal with animal welfare issues.

Phone: 416 646 1193 ext 233
  or toll free 1 877 646 1193
Fax: 416 493 4608
E-mail : Emily Moore

Brian Swaile

Brian is a graduate of Sir Sanford Fleming College in Lindsay where he received a diploma in Forestry. He worked with the Department of Lands and Forest and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for 30 years. Brian was involved in forestry and park divisions in the early years of his career and then spent the last 20 years as the Manager of OMNR’s Ontario Tree Seed Plant in Angus. Here, Brian gained a sound knowledge working with tree seed in fields of forecasting, collecting, processing, storage and proper handling methods. Since leaving this position Brian has been involved in conducting forecasting and certified seed collection workshops across Southern Ontario and consulting to various agencies and associations, such as Trees Ontario.

Phone: 705-424-5378
Cell: 705-794-5378
E-mail : Brian Swaile

Al Corlett

Al Corlett is a Registered Professional Forester with 33 years experience both in the Ministry of Natural Resources and more recently, as a forest management consultant. Much of his career has been spent in the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Forest Region. During his period in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Al worked as an Area Forester in several districts, and as a Forestry Specialist in the Southern Science and Information Section, co-authoring many of the guidelines used in forest management planning and implementation, including A Silvicultural Guide for the Tolerant Hardwood Forest in Ontario and the Ontario Tree Marking Guide. He has trained forest workers in the principles of silviculture, forest regeneration approaches, careful logging techniques and for certification as Tree Markers.

Phone: 416-766-5320
E-mail : Al Corlett

Azadeh Chobak

Azadeh Chobak holds an Honours B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Toronto as well as a post-graduate certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College.

Azadeh joined Trees Ontario in July 2010 as the Communications Coordinator where she supports the coordination of events, conferences and activities. In addition, she helps to manage media relations and advertising efforts as well Trees Ontario's various communications vehicles.

Azadeh's previous roles include: Junior TV editor at Rogers Television, Research Assistant at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Communications Coordinator at the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario as well as several volunteer and internship positions with Marlik Marketing Group, Draft Reading Series, the Association for Canadian Educational Resources and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Phone: 416 646 1193 ext 231
E-mail : Azadeh Chobak

Climentina Dimitrova

Climentina is an honors graduate of East York Collegiate Institute, and is currently pursuing a Business Administration degree at the Schulich School of Business. In the past, she has held positions in both retail and community designations, where she developed strong teamwork and communication skills. Climentina is enrolled in a number of student organizations such as the Corporate Social Responsibility Society and Ambassador Program, where she helps to coordinate events such as case competitions, assemblies and conferences.

Climentina has joined the Trees Ontario team for the summer as a communications intern under the YMCA Eco-Internship program. She is assisting with Trees Ontario events, communications, research and development and administration.

Phone: 416 646 1193 ext. 234
E-mail : Climentina Dimitrova